hawkish

adjective

Definition of hawkishnext
as in warlike

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hawkish Progressives see centrists’ strategic competition frame as excessively hawkish and as a self-fulfilling prophecy. — Thomas Wright, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026 The speech included observations that were hawkish on inflation, mindful of the real economy, and posed questions about the promise of artificial intelligence. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026 The President of the United States (John Goodman) and his cabinet of hawkish generals, gargoyle-ish officials, and speaking-in-tongues spiritual advisors gather at the oilman’s house to discuss next steps. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2026 Bond yields had been steadily climbing this year before soaring higher on Wednesday after strong economic data, hawkish comments from a key Federal Reserve official and a weak bond auction. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hawkish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hawkish
  1. warlike
  2. bloodthirsty
  3. militaristic
  4. militarist
  5. martial
Adjective
  • Macron says fires are warlike crisis for France Out-of-control wildfires represent France’s greatest crisis since World War II, President Emmanuel Macron said.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 29 July 2026
  • The poem that precedes it, the Iliad, is a cruel and beautiful work, the ultimate story of war; the Odyssey has its warlike passages, but its central energies seem almost commonplace beside the merciless fury of Achilles.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
Definition of warlike
Adjective
  • But part of our enjoyment, as an audience, is watching some of Britain’s most recognizable names turn into bloodthirsty killing machines.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2026
  • And Sarah’s journey to becoming the final girl is harrowing even without the monsters, as friend-group betrayal is arguably as horrifying as the claustrophobic terror of being trapped in increasingly tight caves with bloodthirsty humanoids.
    — Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of bloodthirsty
Adjective
  • Four years and several antisemitism incidents after his last major runway show, the artist formerly known as Kanye West is attempting to revive his fashion career with a militaristic collection and a room full of celebrity admirers.
    — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The whole goal of our job is to provide maximum resources without the appearance of overwhelming, overt militaristic sight.
    — Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of militaristic
Adjective
  • Japan has neither of such weapons, and yet Japan is labeled neo-militarist.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 31 May 2026
  • Right, in France, means pro-Catholic, pro-militarist.
    — David Frum, The Atlantic, 31 Dec. 2025
Definition of militarist
Adjective
  • At Imperial Entertainment, Karson directed Van Damme in Black Eagle (1988), then reunited with the Belgian martial artist on Lionheart (1990), directed by Sheldon Lettich.
    — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Lakshmana appears as a prince named Lakkhana, who lacks the martial abilities of Valmiki’s Lakshmana.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of martial

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hawking
hawkish
hawks
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Cite this Entry

“Hawkish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hawkish. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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